2025 Armenian Citizenship by Investment
The Armenian Citizenship Law was amended on July 7, 2022, allowing foreigners to obtain citizenship through a significant economic, cultural, or athletic contribution. The law exempts applicants from standard naturalization requirements. The Cabinet of Ministers will determine evaluation criteria, with a draft decision suggesting various ways to make a significant contribution, such as donations, investments, work experience, cultural promotion, or holding scientific titles in healthcare.
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1. Current Status of the Citizenship by Investment Program
Legal Basis
Since Nov. 28, 1995, Armenia's Law on Citizenship (Official Gazette of the Parliament 1995/8) has allowed the government to grant citizenship to individuals who have provided "exceptional services" to the Republic of Armenia. This article has been amended several times, with the latest amendment made on July 7, 2022 (effective from July 29, 2022), introducing an additional basis to acquire Armenian citizenship based on "significant contributions" in the fields of economy, science, education, culture, healthcare, and sports. Article 13 exempts applicants from normally applicable naturalization requirements, such as knowledge of Constitution or Armenian language, and residence in Armenia.
Current State of the Program
Although the "citizenship by exception" option has been available since 1995, the Cabinet of Ministers has yet to confirm the criteria for assessing "significant contributions" in fields of economy, science, education, culture, healthcare, and sports. The deadline for enacting the implementing decree has already passed in January 2023, and it is currently unclear when it will be adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers.
It is likely that the delay is due to the need to refine the text of the implementing decree, as the initial draft published on October 12, 2022, has been criticized and used by the political opposition to accuse the government of endangering national security. On October 19, 2022, Deputy Police Chief Ara Fidanyan announced that there will be a limit or quota on the number of citizenships granted under the program and that the program will be subject to further regulation to address national security and anti-money laundering concerns.
As the Cabinet of Ministers has not yet approved the criteria for assessing "significant contributions," it is currently not possible to apply for citizenship based on such a contribution.
However, it is still possible to apply for citizenship based on the "exceptional services" provision of the 1995 Citizenship Law. Citizenship by exception is granted in an expedited manner (usually within 2-3 months), as the Prime Minister's office can directly present candidates to the President. Each case is considered on its individual merits, taking into account factors such as the size of investment and/or charitable contributions, job creation, tax payments, the applicant's nationality, ties to the country, and more.
Below is the text of article 13 (paragraphs 4 and 9) of the Citizenship Law as amended by the Armenian Parliament on July 7, 2022:
"Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia can be granted to those who have provided exceptional services to the Republic of Armenia, as well as to persons with a significant contribution in the areas of economy, science, education, culture, healthcare, athletics, without the need to comply with sub-paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of the first paragraph or the second paragraph of this article. The description and criteria for assessing significant contribution in the areas of economy, science, education, culture, healthcare, athletics shall be defined by a decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia."
"Persons who have received citizenship of the Republic of Armenia under paragraph 4 of this article must appear before the authorized body of the Government of the Republic of Armenia to participate in the oath ceremony and receive a passport of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia."
It is likely that this means successful applicants will have to travel to Armenia and obtain their passport from the Immigration Office (Ministry of Internal Affairs).
The last article of the July 7, 2022 amendment stipulates the following:
"This law shall take effect on the tenth day following its official publication, and the sub-legislative act referred to in article 1 of this law shall be enacted within six months after the entry into force of this law."
The requirements to acquire Armenian citizenship by Investment
The Cabinet of Ministers has not yet adopted the criteria for assessing "significant contribution" in the fields of economy, science, education, culture, healthcare, and sports. However, a draft decision published on October 12, 2022, provides an idea of what the government may consider as significant contributions. The following criteria were suggested in the draft:
- Donation of $150,000 to a scientific or educational foundation
- Investment of $100,000 in an IT company or venture fund
- Investment of $150,000 in a company and holding the investment for 10 years
- Purchase of $150,000 worth of government bonds and holding the investment for 7 years
- Purchase of $150,000 worth of real estate and holding the investment for 10 years
- 20+ years of work experience in a publicly traded IT company
- 10+ years of work experience in science and authoring 5+ scientific articles
- Engagement in dissemination and preservation of Armenian culture, heritage, and identity
- Scientific title of docent or professor in the area of healthcare.
It is important to note that these criteria are still in draft form and subject to change. The final criteria will be defined by a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The draft implementing decree
Below is the text of the draft decision published on October 12, 2022.
Draft decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia on determining the description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in areas of economy, science, education, culture, healthcare, sports.
Annex 1. Description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in the area of economy
The following are the description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in the area of economy:
- Gratuitously providing funds of at least USD 150,000 to contribute to the endowment of a foundation established to operate in areas of education or science.
- Investing in the capital (acquisition of shares) of a company in the amount of at least USD 150,000 for a period of at least 10 years.
- Purchasing government bonds in the amount of at least USD 150,000 for a period of at least 7 years.
- Purchasing real estate in the amount of at least USD 150,000 for a period of at least 10 years at the cadastral value approximated to the market value of the real property.
- Investing in any government-approved investment fund in the amount of at least USD 150,000 for a period of at least 10 years.
- Establishing a company operating in the area of high and/or information technologies with a capital of at least USD 1 million, provided that the founder's center of vital interests is located in Armenia.
- Establishing a branch office of a foreign information technologies company in Armenia with a capital of at least USD 100 million and at least 500 employees in Armenia.
- Establishing a venture fund in Armenia with a capital of at least USD 80 million.
- Financial investment of at least USD 100,000 in a company operating in the area of information technologies or a venture fund.
- Having 20 or more years of work experience in high and/or information technology companies listed on the New York, Frankfurt, or London stock exchanges.
- Long-term (not less than 5 years) active work in the international structures of the postal sector, as well as making financial, material, and technical investments in the field of at least USD 250,000.
Annex 2. Description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in the areas of science, education, culture, sports
The following are the description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in the areas of science, education, culture, sports:
- Having at least 10 years of scientific or scientific-technical work experience, a scientific degree, an invention patent, or national awards or honorary degrees in the field of science. Additionally, being the author or co-author of at least five scientific articles published in authoritative international scientific information databases during the last ten years.
- Making a significant contribution to the dissemination and development of Armenian culture, having long-term active cooperation with Armenian figures or organizations of culture and art, significant participation in the preservation of Armenian culture, public and charitable activities, international recognition and reputation of the applicant that can be used to strengthen the international position and popularize Armenian culture.
- Taking an active part in the development of Armenology, philanthropy, and long-term activities aimed at preserving Armenianness, winning prizes in world prestigious competitions or festivals, carrying out innovative-experimental projects with substantial results, contributing to the preservation of Armenianness, or acting for the benefit of Armenia.
Annex 3. Description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in the area of healthcare
The following are the description and evaluation criteria of a significant contribution in the area of healthcare:
- Having a scientific title of docent or professor in the field of healthcare, or being awarded a national award or medal for active charitable activities, as well as other outstanding services in the area of healthcare.
- Providing medical assistance and services in the medical organizations of Armenia or Artsakh during times of war.
2. Benefits and Advantages of Armenian Citizenship
Armenian citizenship offers a wide range of advantages that can significantly enhance your freedom of movement, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life. With an Armenian passport, you gain access to visa-free travel to numerous countries, the ability to hold dual citizenship, and a quick and cost-effective naturalization process. Additionally, Armenian citizens enjoy the privilege of owning land, preferential treatment in EAEU countries, and various government support programs. Citizenship can also be transferred to future generations, ensuring a lasting connection to Armenia and providing your family with increased freedom and security.
Freedom of Movement and Travel
- Valuable Travel Document. As of 2024, the Armenian passport ranks 74th according to Henley & Partners Passport Index, and allows visa-free travel to 69 countries, including places with limited access to nationals of Western countries, such as Russia, China, Iran, UAE, Uzbekistan, and others. The EU/Schengen countries still have a visa regime with Armenia, but visa-free travel may become possible in a few years. The United States offers 10-year B visas to Armenian citizens as well as E-2 business visas.
- Dual Citizenship Permitted. Armenia has expressly allowed dual citizenship for its citizens, meaning that it is possible to hold more than one passport at the same time.
- Quick, Simple, and Inexpensive Naturalization Process. The process of acquiring an Armenian passport typically takes about four months. Once your application is approved, you can receive your Armenian passport and national ID in a matter of days. Minimal documents are required, and police certificates, proof of address, and tax returns are not necessary. Government fees are also low, even when using optional fast-track services.
- Easy Renunciation. If you ever decide to give up your Armenian citizenship, it is easy to do so as long as you have no outstanding debts or obligations to the government.
Economic Benefits
- Land Ownership. As an Armenian citizen, you have the privilege of owning agricultural, forest, and other types of land in Armenia, which is generally not available to foreigners.
- Preferential Treatment in EAEU Countries. Because of the free movement of labor in EAEU countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia), citizens of Armenia are exempt from work permit requirements and can take advantage of preferential treatment in areas of labor law, social protection, medical treatment, taxation, immigration, and more.
- Government Support. Armenia offers a range of social programs for its citizens, including government-financed education and medical treatment, welfare benefits for the elderly, disabled, and other classes of socially vulnerable people.
- Tax Benefits. By moving your residence to Armenia or obtaining a tax residency certificate, you can access significant tax benefits. These include no capital gains tax on securities, real estate, or other assets; tax exemptions on certain types of income such as insurance and pension payments; no inheritance or gift taxes; and reduced tax liabilities on global income due to double taxation agreements with around 50 countries.
Social Advantages
- Citizenship Transfers to Future Generations. After acquiring Armenian citizenship, your minor children can automatically receive Armenian passports, and your spouse may become eligible to apply for citizenship. According to Armenian law, a child born to an Armenian father or mother can easily acquire Armenian citizenship, regardless of their place of birth or residence. In other words, your children and grandchildren will be eligible to obtain Armenian passports even if they do not live in Armenia.
- Increased Freedom and Opportunities. Holding a second passport can provide you with more freedom and opportunities, and can serve as a valuable "insurance policy." Armenia is known for its safety and low crime rates. If the economic or political situation in your home country deteriorates, having an Armenian passport can allow you and your family to temporarily or permanently move to Armenia. Additionally, a second passport can help you avoid problems arising from your country's foreign policies and domestic regulations, such as banking difficulties or increased tax burdens. It can also be useful for privacy or in situations where your first passport is expired, lost, or confiscated. Lastly, a second passport is necessary if you ever decide to renounce your current citizenship.
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3. Citizenship Eligibility for Family Members
If you are an Armenian citizen, you can request immediate citizenship for your minor children. However, if you do not live in Armenia, the consent of the child's other parent may be required, and if the child is 14 years old or older, his/her consent is also necessary. Passports for children can be issued without your presence if you provide a power of attorney to your lawyer or other representative in Armenia. Starting in 2018, it became possible for an ethnic Armenian child to obtain Armenian citizenship even if neither parent is an Armenian citizen.
Spouses of Armenian citizens may apply for citizenship if they meet two criteria: the marriage must have been registered for at least two years, and they must have resided in Armenia for at least 365 days during that period. In practice, the application will be accepted if the spouse has maintained an Armenian residence permit throughout this time, regardless of the actual days spent in Armenia.
If you have an adult child who is an Armenian national, you are eligible to apply for citizenship regardless of your marital status. This is a separate legal basis for citizenship application. Note that in certain cases, the Passport Office may require a marriage certificate to establish paternity. Additionally, if one of your parents holds Armenian citizenship, you are eligible to apply for citizenship based on their status, which serves as another legal ground for your application.
Before submitting your application, you must pass a multiple-choice test on the knowledge of the Armenian Constitution. The test consists of 33 questions, and you need to answer at least 17 correctly to pass. If you do not speak Armenian, you may be accompanied by a licensed translator to assist with translating the questions.
4. Legal Procedures and Documentation
The steps, timeline, and required documents will depend on the nature and legal basis of your application. In general, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1 - Prepare Documents. This step involves obtaining the necessary documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of Armenian ethnicity or other relevant documents. These documents may require additional certification such as consular legalization or Apostille. It is also necessary to provide biographical information to complete the required application forms.
Step 2 - Book an Appointment. Currently, the Immigration Office mandates that all appointments be scheduled in advance using an online booking system (https://migration.e-gov.am/en/). The waiting periods for these appointments may range from a few weeks to a few months.
Step 3 - Visit Armenia. For applicants who choose to file their citizenship applications at an Armenian embassy or consular office abroad, the process may take longer as the required documents will have to be sent to Armenia and returned. If you choose to file your application in person at the Passport Office in Armenia, the duration of your stay will depend on your individual circumstances. Typically, a 2-3 day stay in Armenia should be sufficient for the translation of documents and the filing of the application. It is advisable to check the visa requirements for your country and whether an invitation letter is needed before filing your application.
Step 4 - Submit the Citizenship Application. It is required to submit the application in person at the Passport Office. It is recommended to have a lawyer accompany you to ensure a smooth process. Supporting documents must also be submitted at this stage, and it is important to note that if you are applying based on residency or marriage to an Armenian citizen, you will be required to take a test on knowledge of the Armenian Constitution.
Step 5 - Track the Application Status. Once an application for citizenship is submitted, it will usually take up to 90 business days for processing. The application will be evaluated by both the Police and the National Security Service. If these agencies issue a negative opinion, the case will be referred to the Citizenship Committee for further review, which could extend the process to 6 months. If there are any questions or concerns about the documents submitted, the security officers may contact the applicant or their lawyer to request additional information or documents. Once a decision is made, the Passport Office will notify the applicant or lawyer, and it is also possible to check the status of the application online at https://passportvisa.police.am/.
Step 6. Visit the Passport Office. Once your citizenship is granted, you will need to visit Armenia again to apply for and receive your passport and national ID card. This process usually takes 3-8 business days, depending on whether you need to register with the military office and whether you are willing to pay additional fees for expedited services. However, since June 25, 2022, the law now allows first-time applicants to obtain their passports at Armenian embassies/consulates abroad. If you have an obligation to register with the Military Office, it may be more convenient to apply for your passport at an Armenian embassy or consulate.
Step 7. Register with Military Office. If you are a male under the age of 55, it is likely that you will have to register with the military office in Armenia. If you have served in the military of another country, it is recommended that you bring a legalized document (consular legalization or Apostille) confirming this. The military registration process in Armenia usually takes 3-5 days. It may be a good idea to apply for your passport and undergo the military registration process at an Armenian embassy or consulate, even though this will make the process longer.
Step 8. Apply for a Passport and an ID card. Currently, when applying for an Armenian passport, you have the option to choose between a regular passport or a biometric one. The process of obtaining a regular passport may take up to three weeks, unless you opt for a fast-track service which will allow you to receive your passport or ID card on the next business day, or in three to five business days. During this stage, you will also have to register your address, and if you want to register a local Armenian address, you may need to provide proof of residence (such as a lease agreement or owner's consent). It is important to note that the issuance of biometric passports is currently suspended and only regular passports are issued.
Step 9. Take the Oath and Collect the Passport. The applicant will be given a specific date and time (usually at 4 PM) to appear at the Passport Office to collect their passport and ID card. Before receiving the documents, the applicant will be required to sign an oath of allegiance to Armenia.
In addition to the government fees outlined below, it is important to keep in mind that there may be additional expenses associated with the citizenship application process. These can include legal fees, translation and notarization fees, and other costs specific to your case. We recommend contacting us for an estimate of your overall budget.
Service | Government Fee | |
---|---|---|
Citizenship Application | 1,000 ($2.5) | |
Regular Passport | 1,000 ($2.5) | |
Biometric Passport | 25,000 ($56) | |
ID Card | 3,000 ($7.5) | |
Address Registration | 1,000 ($2.5) | |
Fast Passport or ID Card Issuance | Next Business Day | 20,000 ($50) |
Three Business Days | 10,000 ($25) | |
Five Business Days | 5,000 ($12.5) |
5. Special Considerations
Military service is mandatory in Armenia for male citizens between the ages of 18 and 27, with a service period of two years. Conscripts are drafted twice a year, in January and July. If you do not wish to serve in the military, it is advisable to wait until after you turn 27 to apply for Armenian citizenship.
Recently, an amendment to the Armenian Law on Military Service has been enacted, expanding the scope of compulsory military service to encompass male individuals aged 27-37 who acquired Armenian citizenship after reaching the age of 27. Under the amended Law, these individuals are now subject to a 12-month mandatory military service obligation if they have not completed any prior military service in any country or if their prior military service in another country was less than 12 months. However, individuals may choose to contribute AMD 2,500,000 (approximately USD 6,200) to the state budget in lieu of fulfilling the service requirement.
Additionally, it is important to understand that acquiring Armenian citizenship does not automatically confer citizenship on minor children. If the other parent of a minor child is not also an Armenian citizen, the child will not become an Armenian citizen upon the parent's acquisition of citizenship. Similarly, a child born after the parent's acquisition of Armenian citizenship will not automatically become an Armenian citizen unless the other parent is also an Armenian citizen.
Individuals between the ages of 27 and 55 who become Armenian citizens are registered in the military reserve and may be summoned for service if mobilization is declared, such as during times of war. However, it is highly unlikely that naturalized citizens who have never served in the Armenian military will be called to duty. Military registration, if required, can take an additional 4-5 business days and may include a medical examination consisting of blood and urine tests, ultrasound, electrocardiography, and a physical examination.
Male citizens under the age of 55 may be required to participate in military training sessions, which usually last up to three weeks. In late 2023, there were instances where citizens newly registered with the Military Office were asked to report for military training. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you check the current practices before traveling to Armenia to complete the military registration and collect your passport. If you are a male applicant under the age of 55, it may be wise to complete the military registration at the Armenian embassy/consulate abroad. Please be aware that the Military Office is capable, at least in theory, of delivering notifications to Armenian citizens who are residing abroad through the use of Armenian embassies and consulates.
Military service evasion is a criminal offense and may result in imprisonment for up to three years. A criminal case can be initiated against individuals who were registered with the military office and were served a notice but failed to report to start their service. In certain circumstances, exemptions from military service are available, such as for individuals with serious health issues or for humanitarian reasons. Dual citizens may also be exempted from military service if they have served in the military of another country for at least 12 months (18 months for alternative service).
If you require further information regarding military service obligations, please do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, if you are worried about fulfilling military service requirements, you may wish to consider applying for a special passport (special residency status).
Acquiring Armenian nationality should not have any negative tax consequences, as Armenia's tax system is not based on citizenship. However, if you are a foreign employee or private entrepreneur working in Armenia, obtaining Armenian citizenship may trigger obligations to make social and military contributions.
It is important to note that acquiring Armenian citizenship does not automatically make you a "tax resident." Tax residency is regulated by tax laws, not immigration laws. Becoming a tax resident of Armenia usually requires spending more than 183 days in the country within a year. This means that it is possible to be an Armenian citizen without becoming a tax resident, and vice versa.
Armenia generally does not impose taxes on capital gains from the sale of securities, real estate, or other assets, regardless of where these gains are generated. Certain types of income, such as insurance and pension payments, are also exempt from taxes. Additionally, there are no taxes on gifts, inheritance, or net worth.
Tax residents are generally required to pay taxes on global income at flat rates—20% on business income, 10% on interest, and 5% on dividends. However, Armenia has double taxation agreements with approximately 50 countries, which can significantly reduce tax liabilities for foreign income.
For individuals who do not meet the 183-day residency threshold but still wish to establish tax residency in Armenia—possibly due to substantial personal or business connections that centralize their economic interests in the country—they may apply for a tax residency certificate.
Applicants are typically notified of the rejection by text message, which does not provide the specific reasons for the rejection. The government has the authority to reject a citizenship application without providing any reasons, according to the law. The National Security Service is responsible for making decisions on applications, and they may reject an application if they believe it could endanger national security, public order or health, or the rights and liberties of others, as stated in Article 13 of the Citizenship Law. However, this agency is highly secretive and does not report to the Passport Office, so it is not possible to know the specific reasons behind a rejection without going to court.
If your application is rejected, you have two months to appeal the decision in court, but you will need to obtain a copy of the rejection decision from the Passport Office before filing the appeal.
If your application for citizenship is rejected, you may reapply after one year.
Before Armenia legalized dual citizenship in 2005, many ethnic Armenians obtained special passports to avoid renouncing their existing citizenship. Even today, some foreigners prefer to apply for special residency instead of becoming full citizens, often due to concerns about military service.
The special residence permit is valid for 10 years and can be extended indefinitely, and allows the holder to live, work, study, and engage in any other lawful activity in Armenia without additional paperwork. One notable advantage of the special passport is that its holder can own agricultural and other land directly in his/her own name, without the need to establish a legal entity. The special residence permit looks different from temporary/permanent residence permits as it is issued in the form a passport, not a card. Special passports are typically issued to ethnic Armenians, but in some exceptional cases, non-Armenians engaged in economic or cultural activities in Armenia may also be eligible. Children under 16 can also get special passports. The time required to obtain a special passport is around 60-90 days. Unlike applying for citizenship, you can apply for a special passport through a representative by granting them a power of attorney.
Individuals of Armenian descent/origin can also qualify for temporary and permanent residence permits. Some ethnic Armenians may prefer a residence permit over citizenship, particularly if it is difficult to produce a legalized birth certificate. Additionally, obtaining a residence permit rather than citizenship can help individuals avoid registering with the military office or avoid having to renounce their current citizenship, particularly if their country of origin does not allow dual citizenship.